Council asks government for funding for new Centre of Excellence

We have submitted a bid to the Scottish Government for part of a £1 billion investment in schools.

Replacement for Beeslack

The money would be used to replace Beeslack Community High School with a new school, which would also be a Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning.

On A701 corridor

The new school would be situated on the A701 corridor, adjacent to Roslin.

Working with the University of Edinburgh

Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Jim Muirhead said: “This is a hugely exciting project, which we are working on with the University of Edinburgh.

First Centre of Excellence is open

“Our first Centre of Excellence, which specialises in digital industries, has been open at Newbattle now for the best part of a year. It is already garnering acclaim so we can build on our experience of successfully delivering that project.

“Fingers crossed, therefore, that this latest bid is successful.”

£40m over 25 years

The Scottish Government is planning to invest £1bn, amounting to £40m a year for 25 years, in improving the school estate.

Match funding

It is proposed that the funding made available to each project will be equivalent to 50% of the capital cost and that it will be dependent on the council finding match funding.

Best possible location

Cllr Muirhead said the identified site will provide the best possible location for a learning campus which will draw together the growing communities of Loanhead, Bilston, Roslin and Auchendinny.